BEAUMONT, Texas – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team tried to claw their way back from a two-set deficit, but the Colonels' late surge wasn't enough as Lamar earned a 3-1 victory on Saturday night.
 
Nicholls (5-11, 0-4 SLC) led, 11-8, early in the first set, but the Cardinals (12-5, 2-1 SLC) went on a seven-point tear that completely shifted the momentum of the match. Lamar finished the set on a 17-9 run, powering past the Colonels for a 25-20 set win. Nicholls held a brief lead in the second, before the Cardinals pushed ahead to take the set, 25-16. The Colonels fought back in a contentious third set, battling through five ties to earn their first set victory in Southland Conference play. Lamar quickly cut off any hopes of a comeback in the fourth, pushing forward for a 25-16 win to close out the match.
 
Despite the loss, Nicholls has to be encouraged after playing one of their most complete matches of the season. The Colonels had 49 assists and 51 kills with only 22 errors on the day.
 
Kaci Eaton finished with season-highs in points (24.5), kills (22) and service aces (two), while totaling 11 digs. Alyse Barclay had her second-best outpouring of the year with 41 assists, six digs and a team-leading two blocks. Anna Niederhauser was second on the team with 14 kills and added four digs, while Stephanie Tobison finished with nine digs and four assists.
 
Chelsea Grant and Cortney Moore each had 17 kills to lead the Cardinals. Haley Morton had 30 assists and Lauren Stahlmen added 19 digs in the victory.
 
Nicholls will return to Thibodaux for the team's first action in Stopher Gym. The Colonels will have a quick turnaround as the squad hosts New Orleans on Tuesday, Oct. 6, and Central Arkansas on Saturday, Oct. 10.
 
Admission to all Nicholls home volleyball games is absolutely free! Come out and support your Colonels!
 
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